Environmental Benefits of The Project

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our society today. We at South Energy believe that our work will contribute to the solution, and we strive to work towards a better, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

The Narrogin BESS Project is a solid step in the right direction in mitigating the effects of climate change. The BESS project will allow more renewable energy integration such as wind and solar, and improve grid stability and reliability, thus play a critical role in reduction of tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

  • At full charge and discharge cycle, the Narrogin BESS Project is expected to move as much power for the equivalent   of approximately 70,000 households under a 4-hour discharge.

Relevant Policy

The Australian Government is dedicated and committed to moving towards a sustainable future and a national target for renewable energy generation of 40.0% and net zero have been set to be reached respectively by 2030 and 2050. The Western Australian government endeavours to reduce government emissions by 80 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Other projects (like the Western Australian Government’s Energy Transformation Strategy) and further infrastructure development in the SWIS are also focused on ensuring consumer expectations are addressed for reliable, secure and affordable energy. Hence, the new BESS project at Narrogin will go a long way in aiding both Western Australia and the nation in reaching their targets.

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Economic Benefits of The Project

Employment Opportunities

The construction of a BESS project is a huge undertaking and will require hundreds of workers performing various jobs across multiple stages of its construction. Some of the fields include:

  • Civil works
  • Mechanical installation works
  • Electrical works
  • Fencing and landscaping
  • Transportation, and more.

The project will take around 12-18 months of full-time construction. Once it is complete, it’s estimated that there will be up to four permanent, full-time positions available to ensure optimal and efficient operation of the BESS project.

Business Opportunities

With the influx of contractors and other workers, Narrogin and its surrounding districts (such as Cuballing, Wagin and Williams) will see opportunities for commercial expansion. There will be a greater necessity for an ongoing workforce and new businesses to be opened to satisfy the increased population demand during the development, construction and operational phases of the BESS project. Some of the businesses may include, but are not limited to:

  • Accommodation
  • Eateries
  • Grocery stores
  • Petrol stations
  • Tool and equipment suppliers
  • Vehicle service stations
  • Transportation, and many more.

The local community may also see an increase in tourism from visitors who are interested in seeing the new battery project. Due to the addition of the proposed battery project, environmentalists, researchers and even educational school tours are likely to visit the Shire of Narrogin, creating a solid stream of tourism and growth for the entire region.

Community Investment Program

At South Energy, we are grateful for the support of the local community and would like to give something tangible back through our Community Investment Program. This program is designed to support community groups, organisations or solo projects that will benefit local people of the Shire of Narrogin.

In this program with the operation of Narrogin BESS project, a portion of the project’s revenue will be determined and allocated for community use annually, as a token of South Energy’s commitment to the community throughout the life of the project. The fund will be managed locally – where possible – together with community representatives once the BESS project is in operation.

Further information on this program will become available as the project progresses.